Solubilisation of quercetin in phospholipid complex improves its anti-hyperuricaemia activity in mice

Previous studies have confirmed that quercetin (Que) has a good therapeutic effect on lowering uric acid and hyperuricaemia. However, due to its poor water solubility, the bioavailability is low with limited application. This research aimed to prepare quercetin phospholipid complex (Que-PC) to improve the solubility, and the physicochemical properties and anti-hyperuricaemia activity of Que-PC were investigated. Que-PC was prepared by solvent evaporation and characterised by FTIR, SEM and XRD as an amorphous structure. Compared with Que, the solubility of Que-PC in water and n-octanol increased by 179.3 times and 440.6 times, respectively. The results of biochemical indicators including serum uric acid, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and xanthine oxidase levels, and renal tissue status indicated that Que-PC significantly enhanced the uric acid lowering activity and renal protective effect of Que. These results contribute to the development of insoluble compound drug delivery systems and provide a basis for further research on quercetin-related drugs.